Message from the President (October 01, 2010)

I am extremely proud to represent the Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association as the 27th president. I have offered my time to the Association for the last 15 years and feel that it is definitely time for me to step up and lead an association that I am extremely passionate about.

The 26th Annual General Meeting and Conference was held in Victoria, B.C. What a breathtaking city. You don’t realize what a beautiful country we have until you visit areas like this. The conference was a huge success and went off like a charm. I must commend Allan Hart and his team including Pat Battle, executive director of CIAA for their hard work and commitment to making this such a tremendous event. Delegates were able to experience some of the local attractions including whale watching and Butchart Gardens. I never dreamed I would be in a position to have a whale swim right up beside me! The delegates left with many lasting and cherished memories. We enjoyed the camaraderie with our U.S. counterparts from the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters and our members from across the country. The interaction between peers is what I admire, respect and take the most pleasure in. An ordinary bystander would never imagine that many of us are aggressive business competitors. “Company hats” are checked at the door when CIAA members gather and the sharing of common issues, trends and mutual interests are the order of the day.

I am honoured to follow in past president, Patti Kernaghan’s steps. Patti has been an exemplary role model for the CIAA. She took on an enormous challenge with the creative strategic planning held last year and has been instrumental in following through and implementing the action plans. Some very exciting goals have been developed and with the strong and dedicated executive members we have in place, we will accomplish a great deal.

Differentiating CIAA members in the industry through a restructured accreditation program and providing more online education programs are just a couple of examples of what members can expect this coming year. As well, a National Advisory Council made up of CIAA executive members and key industry stakeholders is being created. The opportunity for increased communication and cooperation will ensure CIAA members are providing the products insurers are looking for and demonstrate the benefit of choosing a CIAA member when engaging their claims’ service providers.

I look forward to a busy year with the Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association and am extremely excited to represent a wonderful group of professionals.

I encourage you to review the 2010-2011 national executive listed below and when you have the opportunity, please thank them for their time and commitment to this great organization. •